Schurz inducted into Hall of Fame
By VICKI STEVENS
vicki@amnews.com
Mary Schurz was honored Saturday night as the first inductee into the Great American Brass Band Festival's new Hall of
Fame.
John Albright, chairman of the festival steering committee, said it is only fitting that Schurz, chairman and editor emeritus of The Advocate-Messenger and The Kentucky Advocate, be the first inductee.
The festival, now in its 17th year, grew out of a political event sponsored by the newspaper at which The Advocate Brass Band entertained.
"She thought it was a neat thing to do, and she convinced other people that it was, too," said Albright."
We feel she has really been our leader over the past 17 years."
Schurz, 67, is secretary and a member of the festival's executive committee.
Albright said organizers have considered starting a Hall of Fame for some time to recognize individuals or organizations for their special efforts and commitment to the success of the
festival."
We felt like it was an appropriate time with the festival where it is today to recognize Mary in tribute of her efforts, not only for what she has done for the Brass Band Festival but also what she has done for the Advocate Brass Band," said Albright.
Jerry Boyd, vice president of the steering committee, presented the award.
Schurz received a custom-crafted glass vessel created exclusively for the Hall of Fame by Flame Run, a Louisville gallery owned by Brooke White.
Schurz became publisher of the Danville newspaper in 1978. She continues to serve as vice president, secretary and director of Schurz Communications Inc., a company founded by her father which now operates 12 daily newspapers, 10 radio stations and five television stations.
She is past president of the Kentucky Press Association and the Kentucky AP Editors Association; received the Lewis Owens Award for community service from the KPA and The Lexington Herald-Leader in 2001; and is a trustee at Centre College and Shakertown.
